When it comes to cannabis, two names often come up: CBD and THC. Indeed, these are the most well-known cannabinoids, but what are they exactly and how do they work? In this article we’ll tell you everything about their characteristics and the differences between CBD and THC.
Characteristics of CBD
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the most prominent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects, which is common in marijuana consumption.
Therapeutic properties
CBD has gained popularity due to its multiple therapeutic properties of CBD. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Analgesic: can help reduce chronic and acute pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: effective in reducing inflammation, useful in conditions such as arthritis.
- Anxiolytic: helps in managing anxiety and stress.
- Neuroprotective: potential benefit in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, due to its chemical structure but indirectly modulates their activity.
- It is effective in the treatment of certain forms of epilepsy, severe pain, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Common uses of CBD
CBD is used in a wide variety of products, from oils and tinctures to capsules and topical creams. Some examples of its use include:
- Anxiety and insomnia: many people find relief by using CBD to improve their sleep quality and reduce episodes of anxiety.
- Epilepsy: has shown to be effective in reducing seizures, especially in rare forms such as Dravet syndrome.
- Chronic pain: used by patients with fibromyalgia and other painful conditions.
Safety and tolerance
One of the advantages of CBD is its safety profile. The majority of people tolerate this cannabinoid well, with minimal side effects such as fatigue or changes in appetite. Furthermore, in many European countries, CBD is legal as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC.
Research on CBD is still growing, increasingly showing its therapeutic potential without the risks associated with other medications.
Properties of THC

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the main cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Besides, while CBD is non-psychoactive, THC is known to be the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana consumption.
The therapeutic properties of THC include:
- Pain relief: THC acts on cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system, helping to reduce the perception of pain. It is used to treat chronic and neuropathic pain.
- Appetite stimulation: this cannabinoid can be very useful for people suffering from conditions that affect their appetite, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS.
- Reduction of nausea and vomiting: THC has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Mood improvement: many people experience an increase in their mood and a sense of euphoria due to the psychoactive effects of THC, which can be beneficial for those suffering from depression or anxiety.
- High affinity for CB1 receptors (mainly in the brain) and CB2 receptors (in the immune system).
Risks of THC
The side effects of THC should also be taken into account:
- Psychoactive effects: it can cause euphoria, sensory alterations, and changes in time perception.
- Anxiety and paranoia: at high doses, some people may experience anxiety or paranoia.
- Increase in heart rate: it can temporarily elevate heart rate.
Differences and similarities between CBD and THC
Feature | CBD | THC |
Psychoactive Effects | Does not alter mental capabilities | Produces psychoactive effects, such as pleasure, appetite, and drowsiness |
Medical Use | Used to treat conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy, and pain | Employed to treat conditions such as chronic pain, loss of appetite, and insomnia |
Production | Can be found in the hemp plant and some varieties of marijuana | Only produced in marijuana |
Concentration | Usually has a low concentration of THC and high concentration of CBD | Usually has a high concentration of THC and low concentration of CBD |
Effects on the Body | Regulates immune response, reduces anxiety and pain, and can curb epileptic seizures | Produces drowsiness, increases appetite and sensation of pleasure, and can help control pain |
Recreational Use | Not commonly used for recreational purposes | Commonly used for recreational purposes |
Legal considerations in Europe regarding CBD, THC, and cannabis in general
The legal situation of cannabis in Europe varies considerably between countries. Some countries such as the Netherlands and Spain allow its recreational use under certain conditions, while others such as France and Italy only allow its medicinal use. Germany, for example, has moved towards medicinal legalization with strict regulation.
Legal restrictions for CBD and THC products
Restrictions for the sale and consumption of products containing CBD or THC also vary:
In many European countries, CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC to be considered legal.
THC products are usually more regulated due to their psychoactive effects, allowing their use only under medical prescription in some places.
Nevertheless, the European Union is still working on a uniform classification for these cannabinoids. The Court of Justice of the European Union recently ruled that CBD should not be considered a narcotic, which has facilitated its commercialization in several member states. Despite this, each country has the autonomy to define its own regulations.
The ongoing evolution of the legal framework suggests that both consumers and sellers should stay informed about current laws to avoid legal inconveniences.
To conclude, understanding the difference between CBD and THC is crucial to fully benefit from their synergistic yet distinct effects. This distinction allows users to choose the appropriate cannabinoid according to their needs and preferences.